Director, Marketing & Communications, DEED/TechTown

Wayne State University is searching for an experiencedDirector, Marketing & Communications, DEED/TechTownat its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

The Director of Marketing and Communications leads all marketing, communications, creative, and public relations activity for the Division of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (DEED) and TechTown, including strategy development and execution, organizational positioning, program/service/space marketing and promotion, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen TechTown and DEED’s brands as leaders in equitable economic development. Reporting to the DEED Assistant Vice President/TechTown Chief Operating Officer, the Director will advise the TechTown executive team and DEED leadership on communication, marketing, creative, and public relations strategy and will work closely with other directors to ensure effective communication of the combined activities of DEED and TechTown (including more than a dozen programs, multiple event/coworking/office facilities, and several signature initiatives).

Essential Functions

(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)

40% [Overall]Oversee all marketing and communications strategy and activities for DEED and TechTown. Establish brand voice, ensure alignment of brand visuals and messaging between DEED and TechTown, and maintain brand integrity across all platforms. Develop and execute messaging strategies that align with organization vision, mission, and goals. Serve as chief storyteller for DEED and TechTown, overseeing the collection of testimonials and creation of compelling stories about program participants, students, alumni, and industry/ecosystem partners. Oversee tracking, analysis, and reporting of relevant metrics including but not limited to web traffic, social media engagement, and media hits. Deliver formal reports for board-level review. Create and manage annual budgets.

25% [Marketing + Creative]Develop and execute marketing plans for DEED and TechTown programs, services, products, and initiatives (including multiple coworking/office/event locations, a university-wide impact strategy, more than a dozen programs, TechTown Ops+, and several signature events and initiatives). Provide creative direction to team members and external vendors for DEED and TechTown deliverables (such as program marketing collateral, annual reports, websites, video, print and electronic publications, and social media), ensuring consistent messaging and accurate information across channels. Review and approve work as needed.

15% [Public Relations/Media]Develop and execute media relations strategies for DEED and TechTown programs, services, products, and initiatives, including press releases, media outreach, and ongoing relationship-building with media contacts. Serve as the primary in-house news media contact and manage external vendor(s) supporting public relations, providing journalists with relevant background information and coordinating interviews with DEED and TechTown leadership. Craft talking points, interview responses, blog posts, op-eds and presentations for executives and leadership team. Evaluate speaking engagement opportunities and designate staff accordingly.

15% [Leadership]Collaborate effectively with peer leaders to maintain awareness of organization programs, services, and products. Strengthen TechTown and DEED brands as leaders in equitable economic development. Lead Marketing and Communications team supporting DEED and TechTown (including hiring, mentoring, coaching, and performance evaluation). Manage vendor relationships and engagements.

5%Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor's degree

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Communications, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience. Formal training (and ongoing pursuit of knowledge) in subject matter related to equity and inclusion (this could include workshops, webinars, classes, and/or formal degree programs).

Experience: Expert (established subject matter expert, 7+ years experience)

Minimum of seven years of strategic communication, marketing, and supervisory experience, preferably in higher education or a large/complex organization. Experience in partnership building, project/budget management, and successfully developing and executing marketing and communications strategy.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Marketing & Communication Skills:Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in a variety of formats and settings (i.e. public speaking, presenting, writing, etc.). Ability to adapt style and content for various audiences, including board members, executives, colleagues, customers, media, etc. Possesses a working knowledge of tools and formats relevant to the marketing and communications field (i.e. content management systems, digital graphics production, social media platforms and marketing, search engine marketing, Google Analytics, Google AdWords, Adobe Creative Cloud, video production, direct mail, press releases, annual reports, communication strategy, AP style, etc.). Understanding of copywriting, graphic design, layout, and publishing. Experience in crisis communications.

• Leadership:Demonstrated success in leading a team and fostering strong morale and open dialogue. Ability to model organizational values and prioritize the continued professional development of team members. Possesses strong interpersonal skills and conflict management skills. Demonstrates the use of strategic and mission-critical approaches in decision making. Possesses high ethical standards.

• Customer Focus:Dedicated to maintaining awareness of organizational programs, services, and products to enable effective marketing and communication tactics for a variety of audiences. Consistently solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external).

• Project Management+ Results Orientation:Excellent organization and time management skills. Ability to shift priorities and successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously – completing projects on time and within budget. Demonstration of strong skills and effectiveness in measuring and evaluating marketing and communication activities. Ability to create and execute comprehensive marketing and communication plans and report on results.

• Collaboration:Ability to work effectively with leaders to accomplish the mission and establish strategic plans, goals, and objectives. Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Ability to work independently and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Ability to effectively serve on university committees and task forces and represent the organization in external engagements (interviews, public speaking, panels, etc.).

School/College/Division:

H36 - VP Entrepreneurship & Economic Dev.

Primary department:

VP Economic Development

Employment type:

• Regular Employee

• Job type: Full Time

• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Working conditions:

This is a hybrid position. Work schedule follows standard business hours with some flexibility.

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.